Diwali or Deepavali means a “row of lamps”. This festival is celebrated with exhilaration and fervour in all the states of India. However, there are many variations in rituals and customs associated with the festival of lights in different regions of India.
Legends around Celebration of Diwali in South India
Diwali in South India commemorates the victory of Krishna over demon king Naraka. He was the king of Assam who oppressed the masses and imprisoned millions of them. Lord Krishna defeated him and earned the freedom of the prisoners. In Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of Andhra Pradesh, the death of Narakasura is celebrated on Diwali. In Karnataka, people celebrate this occasion to commemorate the victory of Satyabhama over Narakasura and as the first day of the month of Kartik, ‘Bali Padyami’ to welcome the great and benevolent king Bali into their homes.
Rituals and Festivities
The first day of Diwali in South India is a remarkable day. The preparations begin weeks in advance and on the day before Naraka Chaturdashi, ovens are cleaned and decorated with kumkum. They are filled with water that is used in the ceremonial bath the next day. Also, Gods are offered kumkum, betel leaves, fruits, flowers, betel nuts, sandal paste, turmeric and oils. Houses are decorated with Rangoli (Kolam) patterns made of ‘Kavi’. Sesame oil is applied to the forehead of all men in the family by the eldest member in the morning of Naraka Chaturdashi, a ritual known as ‘Tailabhyanjana’. They then take a bath with the special water and wear new clothes. All members of the family consume a concoction called ‘Lehiyan’ that supposedly cleanses the body. The women of the family perform a puja called ‘Murukku’ to please the family deities, which is followed by a delicious breakfast and bursting of crackers. Diwali in South India is considered incomplete without the assemblage of all family members for the 3-day long celebration. On the new moon day (Amavasya), the ‘Lakshmi Mahapooje’ is performed in the evening. After worshipping Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, people distribute sweets and burst firecrackers. Elaborate display of fireworks adorns the sky in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The next day is of particular importance to agricultural communities. The houses are decorated with ‘Keraka’ which is decorated with flowers, ragi and maize stalks. People of the community gather and celebrate the ceremony together. Also, the cattle are decorated and people pray for a good produce in the coming year.